How to Use an Architectural Ruler
An architect's scale ruler measures actual dimensions of a distance on a scaled drawing. The best way to learn to read an architectural ruler or scale is with practice. The process of measuring architectural drawings may appear complicated, but once you understand the principle, you will easily convert scale drawings with no math knowledge required. Rulers are either three sides made from plastic or metals such as aluminum, or a flat ruler with two measurements on each edge.
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Instructions
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Determine the scale of the plan measured. Blueprint scales are located in the bottom left-hand corner of the page.
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Select the corresponding measurement on your architectural ruler.
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Line up the zero mark at the beginning of the section you want to measure. The shorter marks to the right of the zero mark represent whole measurements (such as feet or meters).
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Read from the right of the zero mark the number closest to the ending point of your measured object. This will give you the length of the object rounded down to the nearest foot (or meter). Do not measure beyond the ending point of the object.
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Make a small mark on your drawing at the closest whole number.
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Slide your ruler to the right, lining up the zero with the end of the object being measured. You will now determine the remaining size of the object. For example, to the left of the zero mark, on a 3/8-inch scale (3/8 inches equals 1 foot) are 12 tick marks, each representing one inch.
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Count the number of tick marks from the left of the zero. This will give you the remaining length of the object. For example, on a 3/8-inch scale, four tick marks represents 4 inches.
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Indicate your measurement as X' -- x, where X' represents feet, and x represent inches (U.S. measurements). Do not include the standard inch marks ("). For example, you would record a measurement of 3 feet, 4 inches as 3' -- 4.
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Tips & Warnings
The marks to the right of zero represent the measurement (in feet or meters) based on the scale chosen.
The marks to the left of the zero represent the measurement broken down (such as in inches) based on the scale chosen.
Be careful when selecting the architectural scale. There are two scales on each edge; one scale reads left to right, and the other reads right to left.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit blueprint image by Chad McDermott from Fotolia.com
